Exploring AI and Neurology with April Surac, hosted by Nirbhuy Arun

April Surac is a teen innovator from Florida whose work focuses on building accessible, technology-driven solutions for students with learning differences and individuals with sensory challenges.  April created Bookoli, an EdTech platform that uses artificial intelligence to diagnose dyslexia and related reading difficulties, with the goal of improving literacy rates and long-term academic retention. The platform has been tested with over 150 users and is currently partnered with 10 schools across Florida. Bookoli earned early-stage funding through a $1,000 grant from Microsoft for Startups and continues to grow through school pilots and educator feedback. 

Additionally, April leads NeuraSensa, a neurotechnology and sensory design initiative she founded in 2024 to create interactive textile-based installations for individuals with autism, Alzheimer’s, and sensory processing challenges. She spends 25 to 40 hours each month designing and curating sensory-responsive pieces that blend materials, technology, and art to support cognitive engagement and emotional well-being, reaching over 10,000 attendees through public exhibitions and outreach.

Reach out to April: [e-mail]

About the host: Nirbhuy Arun is a 10-year-old Gifted Davidson’s Young Scholar, a MENSAn who lives in Richland, Washington, USA. He is interested in solving complex problems and has a deep passion in understanding the role of AI in medicine. He loves to work on embedded systems and spends his time researching math and loves to explore maps.